1:15 Ascot
The opener from Ascot is the October Stakes, a listed contest for the fillies and mares over 7f.
I like CAJOLE (5/1) in this for the Gosden yard. She brings a solid level of form to the table with two fine runner-up placed efforts over the Summer. The first of those was in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot, a handicap that always works out well. She’s finished second at this level over at Sandown too. Her 4th-placed effort last time out was solid enough, and I think she’s shown enough in her form to suggest she won’t mind what the weather does. She just looks a real solid contender in an open contest.
1:30 Newmarket
Three races from HQ start with a Class 2 fillies handicap over 1m2f.
I think WONDER STAR (4/1) deserves another chance after a poor effort last time out at York. Prior to that, she was a fine second in a competitive affair at Glorious Goodwood. If she returns to that form, she’s handicapped to go close. Being from the Haggas yard, you’d be disappointed if she didn’t bounce back.
1:50 Ascot
Next up from Ascot is the listed Rous Stakes, one for the speedy sorts over 5 furlongs.
The one for me is SHAGRAAN (3/1) NAP, who looks unlucky not to be coming here seeking a hat-trick. A decent winner of the Bullet at Beverley two starts back, he was only just touched off last time out at Group 3 level up at Newbury. This 4-year-old is career best for. And he looks the one to beat back at listed level.
2:05 Newmarket
The 2:05 from Newmarket is the competitive October Auction Stakes, a 2-year-old contest over 7f with 26 runners set to go to post.
It’s COLORI FOREVER (6/1) for me in this. I was really taken by his debut victory at Yarmouth, where, despite showing clear signs of experience, he bolted up. The son of Bated Breath can take a good step forward with that course experience behind him and he’s the one I’ve landed on in a trappy affair.
2:25 Ascot
It’s back to Ascot for the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes over 1m4f.
I’d be happy to chance the improver here, TENABILITY (6/1), who is clearly thriving at present. A winner on his last 4 starts, three of them handicaps, he’s on a serious upward curve. He’s a course and distance winner, and I really think he can serve up to the elder, more experienced horses here.
2:40 Newmarket
The feature contest comes up at 2:40. It is the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes, a race for the fillies and mares over the mile trip.
It is FALLEN ANGEL (9/4) for me in the feature. The winner of the Irish 1000 Guineas last season has kicked on again this season on her last two starts. The first of those was a victory over in France in the Prix Rothschild, but it was her win last time out in the Matron Stakes that is the key piece of form. That’s a strong level of form, and she showed her usual willing, gutsy attitude to fend them off that day. She’ll be tough to pass on this stiff mile, and I like her chances of adding another Group 1 to her CV.
3:00 Ascot
The 3:00 is the Benbough Stakes, a Group 3 race over the 6f trip.
The one for me is PRINCE OF INDIA (9/2) NB. The 3-year-old has progressed throughout the season and has earned a shot at this level. He was third behind the favourite Elmonjed last time out at York, but this stiffer test of the 6f trip ought to some him a lot more. He has a fantastic course record with a victory and two second-place efforts here this season. Hopefully Spencer doesn’t keep hold of him for too long, and he can come with his late burst to pick this lot of close to home.
3:20 Redcar
We have one race from Redcar, which is the Two Year-Old Trophy, a race of listed class over 6f again for 2 year-olds.
I’d be happy to chance HOLLYWOOD TREASURE (8/1) in this for Amo Racing. She won his first two career starts, including a decent contest over at Newbury back in August, suggesting she was a filly with potential. She went over to France last time out, and things just didn’t really go to plan. I think she can bounce back here on the UK shores. This isn’t the strongest of renewals, and she ought to appreciate this step up to 6f.
3:35 Ascot
The finale on ITV is the competitive Challenge Cup, a heritage handicap over 7 furlongs.
The one I like at the prices is MIRABEAU (14/1) EW. The more rain the better for Mirabeau, who clearly relishes getting his toe in. He was a good third two starts back, not beaten far by the favourite for this in Native Warrior. Things didn’t go to plan last time out at Newbury as he got stopped when making his run. This stiff 7f on soft ground will be right up his street. I think he’s over-priced.
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